Methods and apparatus for nuclear tomo-cardiology scanning

Abstract

Methods and systems for nuclear tomo-cardiology scanning are provided. A patient monitoring system is provided that includes a patient monitoring unit attached to a stationary portion of an imaging scanner and a plurality of leads connected to an interface on a moving portion of the imaging scanner and communicatively coupled to the patient monitoring unit.

1 . A patient monitoring system comprising: 
 a patient monitoring unit attached to a stationary portion of an imaging scanner; and    a plurality of leads connected to an interface on a moving portion of the imaging scanner and communicatively coupled to the patient monitoring unit.    
     
     
         2 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the stationary portion comprises a stationary table frame.  
     
     
         3 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the moving portion comprises a movable table portion.  
     
     
         4 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the interface comprises a junction box connecting the plurality of leads to a cable from the patient monitoring unit.  
     
     
         5 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 4  wherein the cable is configured to provide retractable operation.  
     
     
         6 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a shelf mounted to the stationary portion and supporting the patient monitoring unit in a stationary position.  
     
     
         7 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the patient monitoring unit is positioned concealed within a motorized table of the imaging scanner and further comprising another interface on the motorized table and connecting the plurality of leads via a cable to the concealed patient monitoring unit.  
     
     
         8 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the imaging scanner comprises a nuclear tomo-cardiology scanner and the patient monitoring unit comprises one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) unit and an electroencephalogram (EEG) unit.  
     
     
         9 . A patient monitoring system in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a cable in a protective sheath connecting the interface to the patient monitoring unit.  
     
     
         10 . A medical imaging system comprising: 
 a scanner configured to image an object and having a movable table on a stationary table frame; and    a plurality of patient leads connected to the movable table.    
     
     
         11 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 10  further comprising an interface on the movable table connecting the plurality of patient leads to one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor and an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor.  
     
     
         12 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 11  wherein the monitor is connected to the stationary table frame such that the monitor is stationary during a scan and the plurality of patient leads move with the movable table during the scan.  
     
     
         13 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 11  further comprising a shelf connected to the stationary table frame and wherein the monitor is supported on the shelf.  
     
     
         14 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 11  wherein the monitor is concealed within the stationary table frame.  
     
     
         15 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 10  further comprising a cable connecting the plurality of patient leads to an ECG unit, the cable moving with the movable table.  
     
     
         16 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising a protective sheath surrounding the cable and configured to bend in a preferred direction and resist bending in other directions.  
     
     
         17 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 15  wherein the cable is configured to move in a plurality of directions relative to the movable table.  
     
     
         18 . A medical imaging system in accordance with  claim 10  wherein the scanner comprises a nuclear tomo-cardiology scanner.  
     
     
         19 . A method for providing patient monitoring in connection with imaging, said method comprising: 
 providing a patient monitoring unit in a fixed orientation; and    allowing movement of a plurality of patient leads connected to the patient monitoring unit, the plurality of patient leads moving along with a movable table of an imaging system.    
     
     
         20 . A method in accordance with  claim 19  wherein the patient monitoring unit is mounted to a stationary portion supporting the movable table.